May 2023

HwH is the Premier Accredited Center in Northern Arizona

Harnessing the proven benefits of therapeutic horsemanship, Horses with Heart (HwH)is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Chino Valley, AZ. We help transform the lives of disabled children and adults, U.S. military veterans, first responders, and seniors as they gain confidence, dignity, and independence by riding our trained horses under the direction of highly-credentialed staff.

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO from HORSES with HEART!

Festive Frankie

Horses with Heart Passes Reaccreditation with a Perfect Score

Horses with Heart first received its Premier Accredited status in 2017. After five years, each Premier Center undergoes a reaccreditation site visit by two PATH Intl. representatives. Because of the reaccreditation backlog due to COVID, we were pushed from October 2022 to April 6, 2023.

Not only is being a Premier Accredited Center an honor, it also shows our commitment to the highest level of safety standards in all aspects: administrative and business standards, facility standards, equine welfare and management standards, and activity – riding and ground – standards. We had to meet and exceed close to one hundred standards. Jan Grise, Program Director, Chelsea Barth, Volunteer and Office Coordinator, and the office volunteers worked for over a year preparing the necessary documents; Pam Berry, Operations Director, and her facility crew worked diligently on riding center improvements and additions; Sherry Hoover and Marcia Gagnon, PATH Intl. Credentialed Therapeutic Riding Instructors; and the schooling team spent hours getting our horses ready for our 2023 riding season and holding volunteer training sessions. Bonnie Moreau, Grooming Team Coordinator, and her team worked tirelessly to make our horses look their best; Kris Dockum, Tack Coordinator, and team inspected and cleaned every bridle and saddle. Angelique LeVell, Executive Director, kept our center running at peak efficiency. Kris Vollrath, Horse Care Coordinator, Stable Hands Kelly Holiday and Loghan O’Pace, and our wonderful mucking team made sure that all our horses’ stalls were sparkling clean… we could go on…

We thank all our volunteers, team members, and Board for all your efforts, because it all paid off. We passed with a perfect score resulting in Horses with Heart maintaining its Premier Accredited Status for the next five years!

Session Two Begins the Week of May 8th

Horses with Heart is gearing up for its second session of 2023. Session 2 runs from May 8th through June 12th, with a sixth week built in for weather makeups, if needed, from June 13th –19th. Many of our current participants are returning to ride again; we also have many new participants who are excited to begin riding at HwH.

We just introduced our recreational Silver Carriage Class, and it has been a resounding success. We have openings for Session 2 which will begin on Wednesday, May 10th. Silver Carriage classes will be held in the early afternoon. Please contact Jan Grise for more info.

Big Ben Looking for a New Home

HwH’s generous and kind gentle giant, Big Ben, is ready for retirement from his duties at HwH. Ben can be lightly ridden. A beautiful palomino paint gelding, Ben is 15.3 hands tall and approximately 19 years young. Due to a previous injury Ben has lost part of his tongue (that’s what happens when you back talk to your ma), but that certainly doesn’t slow down his eating or appetite. This kind gentleman has reached the age of needing TLC to keep him healthy. Contact Pam (hwhoperations@gmail.com) for all Ben’s information and to complete an adoption application.

Meiko

Send a Horse to Summer Camp

Did you go to summer camp as a kid?  Wasn't it a wonderful break from family and chores?

Well... some of our horses would like that same opportunity!

Would you consider fostering a horse for a few weeks this summer?  This could be for volunteers at Horses with Heart, for a family, for grandparents, etc. If you’re interested in giving one of our horses a wonderful summer change of pace and a relaxing time, please contact Pam Berry, Operations Director.

Needed: Arena Waterers

We need volunteers to help us water the arena each weekday morning from 8AM to 8:30AM and 12:30PM-1PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.! This helps us keep dust down during our classes. If you can commit yourself to helping us with this very important job, please contact Chelsea.

Thirsty Thursdays

Join us for Thirsty Thursdays, held each Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. These get-togethers are B.Y.O.E. (Bring Your Own Everything) - your own chair, drink, snacks to share, guitar, jokes, stories, friends, and smiles to relax, converse, and enjoy the fellowship of the HwH family. So many of us are passing ships in the night. We only see the people who are a part of the HwH family on the day(s) we volunteer and/or ride. These very informal weekly get-togethers give us all the opportunity to see members of the HwH family who are here on other days.

The Classy Pony Resale Boutique will also be open on these evenings for “Thrifty Thursdays”! All long-sleeved HwH merchandise will be $5 off, and there will be discounts on other items. Come by the boutique for great deals and fun finds!

Come every week, once a month, or whenever your schedule permits and the mood is right. Spread the word with your friends, and we hope to see you there!

2023 Boutique Hours

Our Classy Pony Resale Boutique will now be open from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. We have a great selection of Western apparel, home décor, Horses with Heart merchandise, and more! 100% of the Boutique proceeds benefit our riding programs, so stop by and see the great items that we have available!

Donation Hours

Do you have unused tack taking up space? Consider donating it to Horses with Heart! The tack that we can’t use on our own horses will be sold in our tack sales. 100% of the proceeds from these sales goes toward our riding program! Our tack donation hours are Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm, Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and Friday from 3 pm to 4 pm.

Happy Hearts Rodeo will Not Be Held in 2023

After twenty years of hosting Happy Hearts Rodeo at the World’s Oldest Rodeo, the Rodeo is riding off on a different trail. The Rodeo Board did not schedule the Happy Hearts Rodeo in 2023. HwH was told by the President of Frontier Days Inc., located at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, that different events are scheduled in the arena. However, HwH will still be participating in the Prescott Frontier Days Parade on July 1st.  Trudy and Kathleen Klein are steering the committee for the parade.  We will have the flatbed for those who would like to represent HWH with flags and waving to the crowds.  We will also have walkers with stick ponies and walkers carrying our banner.  Please contact Trudy or Kathleen if you would like to help decorating the wagon the morning of the parade or would like to be a walker or ride on the wagon.

HwH wishes Frontier Days Inc. a fantastic, exciting 2023 rodeo. 

Volunteer of the Month ~ Helen Collins

Q & A

1.     How long have you been with Horses with Heart?

I started with HwH in 2004 when it was at the “Whistle Stop Ranch” in Dewey.

2.     Why do you volunteer at Horses with Heart?

I fell in love with the riders and the program almost instantly.  Having a special-needs grandson, being with the special-needs riders was a perfect fit for me.  The volunteers welcomed and mentored me.  I, in turn, was able to mentor the newcomers.

3.     What is your favorite memory or moment at Horses with Heart? 

There were so many ‘firsts” that the riders achieved over the years that each one was my “favorite.” The one that truly comes to mind was not at the Whistle Stop, but at another camp where HwH took the horses.  One young man wanted to ride so badly, but had little or no upper body strength, so Trudy put him on a horse with her and held him for two laps – he was so excited and so happy that it brought me and all the volunteers that day to tears. Still does now as I write this.

4.     If you could share one thing with new volunteers, what would that be?

I would share with new volunteers and current ones - HwH is family, and family takes care of their own.  HwH has awesome volunteers, mentors, and staff.   If you have questions, there is always a volunteer or staff member that will answer your questions.  My advice:  If you are an SST volunteer, be ready for a wonderful experience with your assigned rider.  For all volunteers, get to know the rest of the family.  WELCOME TO HORSES WITH HEART! 


Horse of the Month ~ Swifty

Swifty is one of Horses with Heart’s new horses this year.  He is a dark bay, 15.1 hands, nine-year-old Morgan gelding. He has settled in nicely at HwH and has already become a star, having passed his trial period already and become an official member of the herd. He and Pete Sanders (pictured above) competed in the National Snaffle Bit Association’s Heroes on Horses during the Sun Circuit at Westworld, Scottsdale, in March.  Pete commented, “Swifty is a good ol’ horse. Anybody can ride him. I enjoyed riding him very much.” Since that event he has proven himself with our TR riders as well as Silver Saddle and the Competition Team.  Thanks to the generous donation of Susan Crane, Swifty has become a permanent part of the HwH herd and a favorite with many HwH riders and volunteers.  Welcome, Swifty!

2023 Horse Sponsors

Congratulations to Frankie, Jazz, and Zee! They have all found sponsors for 2023! All other HwH horses and ponies are still looking for their sponsor. Sponsorships are $500 a session (choose as many sessions as you like) for a horse and $250 for ponies.

The Session 1 sponsorship gift is a stainless-steel travel mug. Sponsors, please pick up your mugs in the HwH office. These are a token of thanks from your very thankful horse or pony.

Horses with Heart’s 30th Anniversary Celebration

We are gearing up to celebrate Horses with Heart’s 30th Anniversary on Sunday, June 25th, from 1 to 4 pm (yes, we did change the date)! Plus we will have a Live Broadcast with KVRD Country 105.7 FM and KKLD 95.9 FM during the event!

This will be a time to celebrate where we have been and where we are going. Friends, family, current and past riders, current and past volunteers, and anyone else you think might have an interest in what we do here at Horses with Heart are invited. Join us for lunch -- brats, hot dogs, and accompaniments will be served. There will be docents around the facility to share our past and our growth of these past 30 years, and our future hopes and dreams.

So please come and share your experiences, hear from others, visit with old friends, and maybe make a few new ones!

Blue Ribbon Moments

Horses with Heart has a new volunteer appreciation program this year called Blue Ribbon Moments. We want to recognize all the great day-to-day accomplishments of our volunteers. Nomination cards are located in the office, so when you see a fellow volunteer who is going above and beyond, please write down their name and drop it in the container. We will hold a drawing each Friday we’re in session, and the winner will receive a $5 gift card to Starbucks or Overflow Coffee, as well as a $5 gift certificate to HwH’s Classy Pony Resale Boutique!

  • Week of March 27th Winner: Kris Vollrath

  • Week of April 3rd Winner: Kim Fox

  • Week of April 10th Winner: Sue Jordan

  • Week of April 17th Winner: Dwayne Toombs

Submitted by Mary Smith, Marvelous Minis Coordinator

Move for Autism Event

On Good Friday, April 7, the Marvelous Mini Team joined Polara Health for their 2nd Annual Walk & Roll - Move for Autism event at Granite Creek Park in Prescott. In addition to the many local resource groups booths, there was a BBQ, a snow-cone truck with free snow cones, a cutest dog contest, and balloon art. Our minis—Rocky, Tessa, and Milo the mini donkey—garnered their share of fans. A few of the kids had to be enticed to leave to get lunch with the promise they could come back and pet and brush the minis afterwards.

Kudos to Mini Team members Laura Jaramillo, Jan Bailey, Becky Davidson, Gloria Reid, Kim Pagones, Lynne Karbon, and Michelle and Rob Whan for making the day a memorable one. Your kindness and compassion shine brightly!

Submitted by Mary Smith, Marvelous Minis Coordinator

Barrel Race

Horses with Heart’s 8th Annual Have a Heart Barrel Race is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, at Olsen’s Grain in Chino Valley. More details will come soon, but make sure you mark your calendar for this great event!

Horse Show News from 4/15/23

It was perfect weather for a horse show and the HwH Team stepped up for the first of three shows in the CVEP 2023 Buckle series.  Riders Jackie Boyd, Kris Vollrath, Jeremy Owens, Kris Kavanaugh, Michelle Sullivan, Kim Ginn, Sabrina Sautter, and Kim Cole, along with horses Chili, Gladys, Meiko, Frankie and Swifty, represented Horses with Heart with pride.  A huge THANK YOU to the volunteers who helped us with preparing as well as the day of the show!  Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on May 20th at Chino Valley Equestrian Park!

CVEP Horse Shows

To download the Show Sponsor Packet: CLICK HERE

Sequins and Saddles 2023

It is never too early to begin planning for this event. Currently our most pressing need is to acquire auction Items, both live and silent. If you are willing to approach possible donors via letter, email, or in person and to follow up on these, we have a volunteer spot for you!

Sponsors for the event are always appreciated.

Please contact Angelique for more information.

Where to Find HwH News?

 

Around Our Center

If you haven't been here in a few days, you may notice some changes.  We are excited to now have a fully enclosed hay barn to stock up when the opportunity is right, and a shelter for our tractor and other mechanical stuff to protect them from the weather.  We are so blessed by our community to be able to add these improvements to our Center.

You may also notice a couple of new muzzles to get acquainted with.  Casey, a super sweet and gentle Quarter Horse gelding, began his trial period on April 14th, and Axel, a certified AZ Ranger (also a QH gelding), arrived at the end of the month.  We have high hopes for both of these charming gentlemen as they try out for the HwH herd.

Spring Office Hours

Here are the Team Members new hours now that riding/driving sessions have started. 

  • May 8th ~ Session 2 (All Riding Programs and Silver Carriage) begins

  • May 20th and 21st ~ Chino Valley Equestrian Park Horse Show

  • May 27 ~ Equine Health Class

  • June 14th ~ Volunteer Orientation, 2:30 pm

  • June 24th and 25th ~ Chino Valley Equestrian Park Horse Show

  • June 25th ~ Horses with Heart 30th Anniversary Celebration, 1pm to 4pm

  • August 4th ~ Volunteer/Wranglr Hours Luncheon

  • August 5th ~ Volunteer Orientation, 8:30 am

  • September 20th ~ Volunteer Lunch at Horses with Heart

  • September 30th ~ Have a Heart Barrel Race

  • November 10th ~ Volunteer of the Year Nominations Due

  • November 11th ~ Sequins and Saddles

  • December 9th ~ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS

From donations to sponsorships to SHOPPING for holidays, birthdays or weddings you can make a difference for others and Horses with Heart.

FIND US ON FACEBOOOK and INSTAGRAM!

Event Coordinator Needed

Debi Covington has stepped down from her role as Event Coordinator. Thank you, Debi, for all of the hard work and countless hours that you dedicated to making Horses with Heart’s events a success over the last few years.

We are looking for a new Event Coordinator! If you or someone you know is interested in the position, please contact Angelique LeVell at hwhexecdir@gmail.com for more information.